HOME DEPARTMENT

Forced Labour Convention

Karen Bradley: The Forced Labour Convention (the Convention) is one of eight fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). In June the ILO agreed a protocol and set of recommendations to supplement the convention, with support from the UK Government.
	On 12 September, the European Commission proposed that Council decisions should be adopted to authorise member states to ratify the ILO protocol, in the interest of the European Union, with regard to matters related to judicial co-operation in criminal matters and with regard to matters related to social policy.
	The Government do not agree that the EU has any exclusive competence in the area covered by the protocol. The Government have therefore decided not to opt in to the Council decision covering matters related to judicial co-operation.
	The UK is determined to tackle the horrific crime of modern slavery, and intends to ratify the protocol to the Forced Labour Convention.
	[HCWS173]

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Hatfield Colliery

Matthew Hancock: I want to update the House on matters concerning Hatfield Colliery Partnership Ltd.
	The directors of Hatfield Colliery Partnership Ltd (HCPL) approached the Government in November 2014 to report that, due to a combination of unfavourable coal prices, exchange rates and production issues, the viability of the business was in doubt. Having exhausted all other options for securing investment, HCPL requested financial support from Government.
	The taxpayer would face significant costs and liabilities in the event of an immediate insolvency of HCPL, principally relating to safe closure costs for the mine, redundancy and unpaid tax liabilities. Considering this, the taxpayer is better served by supporting a managed closure of the mine.
	I can therefore announce that the Government have agreed to provide a short-term commercial loan of £8 million available for drawing down in tranches subject to performance, to support the company’s managed closure plan. The first tranche (in the sum of £2 million) of this loan was remitted to HCPL on 31 December 2014. This short-term loan will provide time for further consideration of the case for a longer term loan to allow HCPL to continue operating until 2016. We expect the loan to be paid back in full.
	[HCWS172]